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#KANKARABOYS: Assessing Nigeria’s options in freeing the abducted boys
Every day that passes seals the fate of the abducted students says the president of the Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operations of Nigeria, Ona Ekhomu. While calling on the governor of Katsina state to personally, lead the effort to rescue the remaining 333 students, Ekhomu urged the governor to adopt the Makama strategy to recover the students from the bandits. He joins CNBC Africa for more.
Tue, 15 Dec 2020 09:18:01 GMT
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AI Generated Summary
- The Makama strategy, named after Commissioner of Police Bashir Makama, involves a coordinated effort by security forces to conduct a line march into the forest where the kidnappers are believed to be hiding.
- Ekhomu emphasized the need for a holistic solution to Nigeria's security challenges and called for the retirement of service chiefs who have exceeded their approved retirement dates.
- Proactive measures like deploying vigilance forces, conducting security risk assessments at schools, and installing air raid sirens can enhance protection against mass abductions and improve school safety.
Nigeria is facing a dire situation as the fate of the abducted students hangs in the balance. Ona Ekhomu, the president of the Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operations of Nigeria, has called for urgent action to rescue the remaining 333 students who are still in captivity. Ekhomu has urged the governor of Katsina state to adopt the Makama strategy, named after Commissioner of Police Bashir Makama, to recover the students from the bandits.
The Makama strategy involves a coordinated effort by security forces, including vigilantes, police personnel, civil defense, and military, to conduct a line march into the forest where the kidnappers are believed to be hiding. By covering a wide swath of the forest, the security forces increase their chances of encountering the kidnappers and successfully rescuing the victims. Ekhomu emphasized that no ransom should be paid to the kidnappers, as it only serves to reward criminal behavior.
The current trend of kidnappings and insecurity in Nigeria has raised concerns about the government's ability to address the situation effectively. Ekhomu highlighted the need for a holistic solution to the security challenges facing the country. He called for the retirement of service chiefs who have exceeded their approved retirement dates and for a strategic approach to combating the widespread criminality.
The security situation in Nigeria is not limited to a single region but is a nationwide problem. Ekhomu described the situation as a 'West African jihad' involving banditry and terrorism in the region. He emphasized the importance of proactive measures, such as deploying vigilance forces and conducting security risk assessments at schools to enhance protection against mass abductions.
Ekhomu stressed the need for school authorities to be vigilant and proactive in assessing security threats and implementing mitigation measures. He recommended the installation of air raid sirens in schools to alert students and staff in case of an attack, making it harder for the perpetrators to carry out their acts. By raising awareness and increasing security measures, schools can better protect themselves from potential threats.
The abduction of students not only poses a threat to their safety but also has economic repercussions for the affected regions. The insecurity and fear generated by such incidents can disrupt agricultural activities and lead to a decline in economic productivity. With many parts of the country relying on the affected regions for food production, the need for a swift and effective response from the government is critical.
Addressing the situation requires a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond reactive measures and focuses on long-term security solutions. Ekhomu and other experts have called for a coordinated effort to rescue the abducted students and restore a sense of security in the affected areas. The fate of the Kankara boys serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges facing Nigeria and the urgent need for decisive action.
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